North Stradbroke Island – Straddie at Its Best
Affectionately known as Straddie by people from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is the textbook beach get-away. Approximately 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it is positioned at the south end of Moreton Bay. At 30 km (19 mile) long, it is one of the worlds biggest, featuring gorgeous beaches, a rugged coast and inland freshwater lakes.
It lost its aboriginal name of Minijerribah in 1827, when Captain H. J. Rous, or Viscount Dunwich, Commander of the HMS Rainbow, named the island after his father the Earl of Stradbroke, the main town after his own title, and Rainbow Beach after his vessel.
A group of three picturesque villages — Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout — act as pleasant bases for many of the islands local and international visitors.
Dunwich was once a prison colony and quarantine station, and, as is often the case, its graveyard is a telling record of the islands interesting past. At Point Lookout, the aptly named Whale Rock is the perfect spot from which to scan the vast oceans in search of migrating humpback whales, dolphins and turtles.
In the 1960s, sand mining operations began to change on the fragile island environment, but by the 1990s environmental issues came to the fore and half of the island became a national park. Mining is still very active on the island, but mainly away in the restricted southern end.
Point Lookout on the eastern surf side of the island is a natural attraction. Spreading across Straddies single rocky headland it overlooks a set of bleached beaches. The western side enjoys the calmer waters of the bay and is safer for boating. The island is famous for its angling — with the annual Straddie Classic every August being one of Australias richest and best-known fishing contests.
Looking for holiday deals, Australian holidays or even cheap family holidays? Flight Centre is the holiday expert and can match your budget and holiday requirements to a great holiday package.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.